| The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland offers nearly 3 million acres of public lands from the short grass prairies to the alpine tundra.The Pike National Forest encompasses over one million acres of land in south central Colorado. This region includes 14,000-foot mountains, gold-medal fishing streams, wilderness areas, campgrounds, scenic byways, ski resorts and hundreds of miles of trails.The San Isabel National Forest consists of over one million acres of mountains, rivers, canyons and meadows. The forest is bounded on the west and north by the Continental Divide and on the east by the Pike National Forest.The Comanche National Grassland provides access to some remote backcountry that promises interesting geological, historical and cultural sites. Reminders of ancient life that existed in the area, both reptilian and Homo sapiens, pervade the grassland. Solitude is guaranteed in most areas of the grassland.Several areas of the Comanche National Grassland are open for various recreational uses. Hiking, mountain biking, educational activities, viewing historical sites, scenic driving, horseback riding and picnicking are among the recreation opportunities to be enjoyed in the region.The Pike and San Isabel National Forest area offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for all visitors. There are several lakes, reservoirs and rivers available for fishing, as well as hundreds of miles of multi-use trails. There are more than 90 developed facilities within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests including family and group campgrounds are open to visitors. Other popular recreational activities include hunting, off-roading, skiing, swimming, canoeing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.There are two visitor centers in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests with maps and books, interpretive displays, and helpful information specialists. |
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| | | Facilities: There are several family and group campgrounds available within The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland. Best Time To Visit: The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland is open to visitors year-round. Fees: The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland is open, free of charge. Fees and permits may be required for some activities and locations. Accessibility: The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and the Comanche National Grassland offer a number of recreational facilities designed with accessibility in mind for persons with disabilities. Rules: All visitors and users of The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland are subject to Federal Regulations. The points of conduct listed here are generally included in and enforceable through Federal Regulations. All of the regulations are published in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and are on file at all Forest Supervisor and District Ranger offices. Violation of orders and regulations is subject to punishment by a fine or imprisonment. Campfires Obey restrictions on fires within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, build fires only in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose. In undeveloped sites, a fire ring of rocks must enclose campfires. DO NOT leave a campfire unattended. Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING FIRES UNDER CONTROL.Camping Camping is allowed throughout the District in both the developed and undeveloped sites. There is a 14-day stay limit anywhere in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests; vehicles MUST be parked in established sites. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds if you do not cause any resource damage, and keep your vehicle within two hundred feet of main roads. Use picnic sites, swimming beaches, and other day use areas only between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm.Campgrounds and other recreation sites within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests can be used only for recreation purposes. Permanent use of use as a principal residence without authorization in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests is not allowed. In campgrounds, camp only in those places specifically marked or provided. At least one person must occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up, unless permission has otherwise been granted by the Forest Ranger.Do not leave camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours without permission from the Forest Ranger. The Federal Government is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.Remove all personal property and trash when leaving.Fee Areas You must pay a fee to use certain developed sites and facilities within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Such areas are clearly signed or posted as requiring a fee. Where fees are required, you must pay them before using the site, facility, equipment, or service furnished.Sanitation Throw all garbage and litter in containers provided for this purpose, or take it with you. Garbage containers, when provided, are reserved for the use of visitors to the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, not visitors to or owners of private lands or lands under permit. Wash food and personal items away from drinking water supplies. Use water faucets only for drawing water.Prevent pollution--keep garbage, litter, and foreign substances out of lakes, streams and other water. Use toilets properly. Do not throw garbage, litter, fish cleanings, or other foreign substances in toilets and plumbing fixtures.Operation of Vehicles Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply to the Pike and San Isabel National Forests unless otherwise specified. When operating vehicles of any kind, do not damage the land or vegetation or disturb wildlife. Avoid driving on unpaved roads or trails when they are wet or muddy. Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, use cars, motorbikes, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles only for entering or leaving, unless areas or trails are specifically marked for them. Park only in marked parking areas. Do not block, restrict, or interfere with the use of roads or trails. Obey area and trail restrictions on use of trail bikes and other off-road vehicles. NO vehicle parking is allowed behind barriers.Property Do not carve, chop, cut or damage live trees within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Preserve and protect your National Forests. Leave natural areas the way you find them. Enter buildings, structures, or enclosed areas in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests only when they are expressly opened to the public. Indian sites, old cabins, and other structures, along with objects and artifacts associated with them, have historic or archeological value. Do not damage or remove any such historic or archeological resource.Private property is found within the boundaries of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. DO NOT damage nor destroy public or private property. Respect the property and rights of others.Public Behavior Quiet hours within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests are from 11pm to 6am. No fighting or boisterous behavior. Keep noise at a reasonable level. Please be considerate of fellow visitors.Pets and Animals Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas. Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instruction.Business Activities Permits are required for any commercial activity within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests.Audio Devices Operate any audio device, such as a radio or musical instrument, so that it does not disturb other visitors. A permit is required for operating a public address system in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over a body of water.Fireworks and Firearms Do not set off fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds or other recreation sites. Firing a gun is not allowed: a) Within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area. b) Across or on a road or body of water c) In any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged. Hunting is allowed in the Forest and State regulations apply on National Forest land.National Forest Wilderness Motor vehicles and motorized equipment are not allowed in wilderness areas. Preserve the wilderness--"Leave only footprints, take only pictures."General The following is NOT allowed without a permit: Transplanting trees, shrubs or plants from the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Cutting or removing fuel wood. Cutting and removing boughs. Cutting and removing Christmas trees. Removing rocks, soil, vegetative matter or any natural matter. Removing any Pike and San Isabel National Forest product or natural feature. Occupying National Forest Land leased for residential purpose. Posting, placing or erecting any notice, advertising material or sign.Directions: The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Camanche National Grassland is located south of Denver and west of Colorado Springs. The terrain extends south of Canon City. The western border follows the Continental Divide from southern Sawatch Mountains to the Lake County Line north of Leadville. Map: Click here for a map to The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland Reservations: While many campgrounds at The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland are on a first-come basis, you can make reservations for some campgrounds. | | |
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| | | | | Address | | USDA Forest Service Pike & San Isabel National Forests & Comanche National Grassland | | 2840 Kachina Drive | | Pueblo, Colorado 81008 |
| | | Phone | | General: (719) 553-1400 | | TTY: (719) 553-1404 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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